DOCSLIB.ORG

Medical and Veterinary Aspects of Snails and Slugs

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Medical and Veterinary Aspects of Snails and Slugs Snails and slugs aren’t just agricultural and horticultural pests David G. Robinson Ph.D. USDA APHIS National Malacology Laboratory The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19103 USA Invasive mollusk species have the potential to: Introduce snail-vectored human and livestock diseases, including cerebral and abdominal angiostrongyliasis Introduce these diseases to native species and other invasive species that are already present Laboratory studies indicate that diseases such as those that affect recognized vectors (such as GAS and veronicellid slugs) can be introduced into native snail and slug populations, increasing the threat to Public Health Facilitate the spread of other diseases not normally associated with mollusks For example, large accumulations of dead GAS shells filling with rain water can provide an ideal breeding environment for mosquito larvae – producing more mosquitoes and perhaps facilitating the spread of malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and as of 2015 chikungunya (throughout the West Indies, including the U.S. Virgin Islands), as well as Africa (where it originated) Plant pathogens such as Phytophtora spp. , not usually associated with molluscs, can also be vectored by snails including GAS Dead shells along roadside in Barbados (photo: A. Fields) The association of invasive, synanthropic snails and slugs with human habitation brings snails and slugs, if populations are high enough, into direct contact with people Directly impact urban and suburban householders, leaving slime trails, piles of feces and dead, rotting snails in homes and gardens This may also impact tourism Example: GAS on golf courses, in hotels in hotel gardens, floating dead in swimming pools, etc. in the Antilles Reports of cases of cerebral angiostrongyliasis in tourists and local people in Jamaica and the Hawaiian Islands is of considerable concern to their governments Several of the invasive species are known to be vectors of a serious disease that affects humans and livestock, including: the giant African snail (GAS ) – Lissachatina fulica the Cuban slug – Veronicella cubensis & other veronicellid species the Southeast Asian semi-slug – Parmarion martensi the Asian tramp snail – Bradybaena similaris the Apple snails – family Ampullariidae – Pomacea sp. & Pila sp. The disease, known as eosinophilic angiostrongyliasis, is caused by a parasitic nematode worm, Angiostrongylus cantonensis – the Rat Lungworm. It can be contracted by consuming improperly cooked snail meat (in the case of the giant African snail), freshwater crustaceans, or by accidentally ingesting tiny snails, slugs and crustaceans that are infected by the larval cercaria. Infected snails and slugs can also contaminate water supplies with the nematode if they fall into drinking water, drown and decompose. We now understand that the slime of these gastropods left on uncooked fruits and vegetables may also transmit the disease Symptoms include severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light and contact, seizures, and neurological abnormalities, lasting several weeks In addition to humans, the disease has also been reported in monkeys, horses, and other livestock. Therefore it has considerable veterinary importance, as well as a public health threat Death can occur, especially in healthy young adults Disease prevention relies on handling all snails and slugs with latex gloves, and thorough washing of hands with hot soap and water afterwards Another disease affecting humans, known as abdominal angiostrongyliasis, is caused by a closely related parasitic nematode worm, Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Like cerebral angiostrongyliasis, the slime of these gastropods left on uncooked fruits and vegetables may also transmit the disease Symptoms include severe lower abdominal pain from infection of the appendix, bowel and colon, with recurrent gastro-intestinal bleeding Sarasinula plebeia from Zamorano, Honduras Death can rarely occur, and serious complications result if the infected parts are not surgically removed The disease has been reported from Costa Rica and Brazil, and is probably widespread from Mexico to Argentina. Some cases have been reported from the southern United States Among the invasive species known to be vectors of this disease include: Various veronicellid slugs – Sarasinula plebeia (Fischer), Diplosolenodes occidentalis (Guilding), and Belocaulus angustipes (Heynemann) Some widespread snails including Subulina octona Subulina octona from St. Kitts (Bruguière) and Bradybaena similaris (Férussac) Watch the video: http://animal.discovery.com/vide os/monsters-inside-me-the-rat- lungworm.html Source: Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, Georgia, USA Infected patients at rural clinic in Ecuador The tradition of making ceviche out of snails in the interior of Ecuador and Colombia, and the recent introduction of GAS in the regions has resulted in hundreds of cases of eosinophilic angiostrongyliasis and numerous deaths « Adult Angiostrongylias cantonensis taken from the lungs of rats (photos: L. Robles) The Rat lungworm is also known to infect domestic livestock and wildlife, including horses (in rural Louisiana), monkeys (New Orleans zoo), apes (orang-utan in a Miami zoo), and is widespread in the Hawaiian Islands It has recently been reported in southern California (in a captive African pygmy falcon) Therefore the presence of the nematode in the environment has been confirmed in Florida, Louisiana, California, and Hawaii, and raises the possibility that it will spread into native and invasive snail populations and hence into the local rat populations Samples of snails and slugs have been taken in the Miami-Dade area, as well as from numerous localities in California In addition to the giant African snail, another invasive snail, the Cuban snail (Zachrysia provisoria) has been shown to vector the disease in Florida No positive results have been reported from California Terrestrial and aquatic gastropods are important vectors of disease: Snails from temperate climates in Europe and Asia transmit a number of (Fasciola and Paragonimus) liver flukes that parasitize livestock, especially chickens, sheep and cattle Many freshwater species, especially those from subSaharan Africa, and southern and Southeast Asia, transmit schistosome cercaria resulting serious diseases such as Bilharzia or Schistomiasis, affecting the veins of the intestine and bladder. Some of these parasites have been detected in snails in aquarium shipments from Singapore, which exports shipments from all over Southeast Asia, to the rest of the world Other terrestrial snails and slugs, especially (but not Biomphalaria species restricted to) tropical and semi-tropical species, are known to vector potentially lethal diseases that affect humans and livestock Discus rotundatus (Müller) Oxychilus draparnaudi A European species, (Beck) Another European established in the USA and species, established in the Canada, is an important USA and Canada, is also vector of Tobacco Mosaic an important vector of Virus Tobacco Mosaic Virus Numerous snail species , Several snail species , including Ponentina including Helicella itala poentina (Morelet) from (Linné) from Porugal Portugal transmit Protostrongylus Protostrongylus linearis, a nematode parasite of rufescens, another livestock. It has been nematode parasite of intercepted on wood livestock. It has been packing material for tiles intercepted many times on cut flowers, plants for propagation, on wood packing material for tiles, on and in containers Monacha obstructa (Pfeiffer) Monacha syriaca (Ehrenberg) transmit several species is a vector of the sheep trematode Brachylaima, lungworm Cystocaulus causing brachylaimiasis, a ocreatus. The species is disease of the human frequently intercepted on cut gastro-intestinal tract in flower, on tiles, and in and on Egypt. The species is containersfrom several frequently intercepted on cut countries in the Middle East flowers and edible herbs and Turkey from several countries in the Middle East, especially Israel Numerous snail species , including the giant African snail GAS transmit numerous species of Phytophthora, which attacks dicotyledon plants, many of which are of enormous economic and environmental value Numerous terrestrial and freshwater snails are vectors of a wide variety of nematodes, trematodes and cestodes that can infect humans and livestock Others are secondary hosts of serious disease-causing nematodes such as the species of Angiostrongylus When handling live snails or slugs, whether in the field conducting surveys or dealing with them in the lab, it is advisable to wear protective gloves, making a conscious effort NOT to touch your face inadvertantly, especially eyes, nose and mouth while doing so ALL CBP and PPQ agricultural inspectors wear gloves as standard practice during their inspections After removing gloves, wash your hands with hot soapy water, and then use a ethanol- based hand cleanser Richard Hoenisch (WPDB) at U.C. Davis Suzete Gomes, Samanta Singh and Francisco Borrero (USDA National Malacology Laboratory) Greg Bartman, Patrick Marquez, William Tang and Frederick Zimmerman (USDA Port Identifiers / Malacology Specialists) Lissachatina fulica massing in Saint Lucia Lesser Antilles (photo: D. G. Robinson) .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Study Guide Entomology & Nematology Department
    STUDY GUIDE ENTOMOLOGY & NEMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT DPM COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS The Entomology & Nematology Comprehensive Examinations consist of 3 sections: pest identification (30%), pest biology and management (40%), and core concepts and synthesis (30%). These examinations are limited to information about invertebrate animal pests, principally insects and nematodes, but also plant feeding mites and terrestrial molluscs. A. Pest identification Students will be presented with insects, mites, molluscs, and nematodes that they must identify. Some may be recognizable by sight, but others may require keys for identification. Students will be provided with identification aids (keys), where necessary, and be expected to use them to identify the subjects accurately. The unknowns will be selected from the list of important insect, mite, mollusc, and nematode pests (Table 1) though we will emphasize those with a single or double asterisk [* or **]), as these normally are the more important pests. Included in this list are some that pose a threat but are not currently found in Florida. B. Pest biology and management Students will answer 8-10 questions on insect, mite, mollusc, and nematode pest biology (sampling, distribution, life cycle, damage) and management. The animals for which students are responsible to know biology and management are listed in Table 1 (preceded by double asterisk [**]). C. Core Concepts and Synthesis Section: Students will answer 3 or 4 questions that cover core areas of Entomology/Nematology and demonstrate knowledge of core areas, but also analysis and problem solving. Suggested reference/reading material is listed in Table 2. You might want to read through these in preparation for the Comprehensive Examinations.
    [Show full text]
  • Universidade Federal De Juiz De Fora Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas Mestrado Em Comportamento E Biologia Animal
    UNIVERSIDADE FEDERAL DE JUIZ DE FORA PÓS-GRADUAÇÃO EM CIÊNCIAS BIOLÓGICAS MESTRADO EM COMPORTAMENTO E BIOLOGIA ANIMAL Camilla Aparecida de Oliveira Estratégia de história de vida e recaracterização morfológica Sarasinula linguaeformis (Semper, 1885) (Eupulmonata, Veronicellidae) Juiz de Fora 2019 Camilla Aparecida de Oliveira Estratégia de história de vida e recaracterização morfológica Sarasinula linguaeformis (Semper, 1885) (Eupulmonata, Veronicellidae) Dissertação apresentada ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas, área de concentração: Comportamento e Biologia Animal da Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, como requisito parcial para obtenção do título de Mestre. Orientadora: Prof.ª. Drª. Sthefane D’ávila Juiz de Fora 2019 A todos que estiveram ao meu lado me apoiando e incentivando diante das dificuldades da carreira acadêmica, e incentivaram minha formação pessoal, profissional e dando-me suporte emocional. A vocês o meu eterno agradecimento! AGRADECIMENTOS Agradeço primeiramente a Deus por abençoar o meu caminho durante esse trabalho. A fé que tenho em Ti alimentou meu foco, minha força e minha disciplina. Depois aos meus amigos da Ciências Biológicas: Alexssandra Silva, Flávio Macanha, Isabel Macedo, Sue-helen Mondaini, Tayrine Carvalho, Kássia Malta e Yuri Carvalho meu eterno agradecimento, pois fizeram uma contribuição valiosa para a minha jornada acadêmica com seus conselhos, auxílio, palavras de apoio e risadas. Também agradeço a todos aqueles amigos que de forma direta ou indireta estiveram ajudando e torcendo por mim, em especial a Ana Claudia Mazetto, Ana Clara Files, Tamires Lima, Lígia Araújo, Raquel Seixas, Natália Corrêa e Carlota Augusta. Vocês foram fundamentais para minha formação. Agradeço à minha orientadora Sthefane D' ávila, que acompanhou meu percurso ao longo dos últimos anos e ofereceu uma orientação repleta de conhecimento, sabedoria e paciência.
    [Show full text]
  • Whatyourdrmaynottellyouabou
    What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Parasites First published in Great Britain in 2015 by Health For The People Ltd. Tel: 0800 310 21 21 [email protected] www.hompes-method.com www.h-pylori-symptoms.com Copyright © 2015 David Hompes, Health For The People Ltd. David Hompes asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior permission of the publishers. HEALTH DISCLAIMER The information in this book is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, nor should it replace a one-to-one relationship with your physician. You should always seek consultation with a qualified medical practitioner before commencing any protocol contained herein. This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not, by way of trade or otherwise, be lent, resold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed upon the subsequent purchaser. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data. 2 What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Parasites Contents Introduction 5-13 1 What is a Parasite? 14-26 2 Where are Parasites to be found? 27-33 3 Why doesn’t the Medical System fully acknowledge 34-38 Parasites? 4 How on earth do you acquire Parasites?
    [Show full text]
  • MIM3 Draft Press Release Final Docx
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Tahli Kouperstein, (240) 662-2221 [email protected] EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED IN AN ALL-NEW SEASON OF ANIMAL PLANET’S MONSTERS INSIDE ME -- On October 5, Season Three Shares the Gruesome and Deadly Stories Of Parasites Living Within Us -- (Silver Spring, Md.) – Just because a parasite is not a bear, tiger or some other large predator, that doesn’t mean it can’t be as deadly…if not more so. MONSTERS INSIDE ME returns on Friday, October 5, at 8 PM (ET/PT), retelling the real-life, harrowing dramas of people infected by deadly parasites as doctors and scientists try to unravel each case before it’s too late. MONSTERS INSIDE ME reveals what happens to unsuspecting victims when the smallest creatures turn out to be the biggest monsters. Parasites are organisms that live on or in another species, which then serve as hosts from which the parasite gains nutrients. Failing to recognize or incorrectly diagnosing a parasite can wreak havoc and sometimes cause death. This season, MONSTERS INSIDE ME features stories about people who are harboring tapeworms, flesh-eating diseases, the bubonic plague, rabies, rat-bite fever, a brain-eating amoeba and more. The series also chronicles accounts of victims who suffer from objects that mistakenly are left in them during surgery. • When Kiera, from Springfield, Ohio, experiences severe headaches, she is rushed to the emergency room. Initially, doctors perform a spinal tap and suspect meningitis. After an MRI is performed, doctors realize she might have a teratoma, a tumor that is composed of cells from other organs, which can grow hair, teeth and even eyes.
    [Show full text]
  • A Study of Learning Gains and Attitudes in Biology Using an Emerging Disease Model in Teaching Ecology
    A Study of Learning Gains and Attitudes in Biology Using an Emerging Disease Model in Teaching Ecology Susan Chabot CATALySES, Summer 2017 Science Teacher/Department Chair Lemon Bay High School Englewood, Florida [email protected] Abstract Lemon Bay High School (LBHS) is a mid-sized suburban public high school on the southwest coast of Florida in Charlotte County. Although we have a robust honors and advance placement (AP) science program, the number of general students taking additional science classes is small. We have recognized this trend and account dwindling general science enrollment to the shift in biology instruction that followed the state induction of the biology end-of-course exam (EOC). All students must pass biology and take (not pass) the biology EOC to receive a high school diploma. Instruction in preparation for changing biology standards and focus over the last 15 years has drastically altered the delivery of biology content. Although currently more emphasis is placed on project-based/thematic learning units, teachers of biology have been forced to rely on direct instruction methods in order to complete the necessary material for this state-mandated test. The shift has been away from depth of understanding and scientific thinking skills to quick-coverage of material in the hopes students will recall some vocabulary and concepts during the biology end-of-course exam. With stagnant test scores in general biology classes and waning appreciation for the sciences, the belief is that student attitudes and science content understanding will improve through the integration of thematic, project-based learning units that incorporate emerging pathogens, disease, and biology content standards.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Resource Catalog EEG.Pdf
    Make the switch to DISPOSABLE EEG ELECTRODES TODAY, because you can’t afford not to! FDA Cleared MR Conditional*/CT Electrodes Artifact Free CT Invisa-Electrodes™ Standard EEG Electrodes Connect with us online to learn more at rhythmlink.com/njc [email protected] 866.633.3754 *patent pending 2 | EEG: PUBLICATIONS 12-month access to all ASET online courses from the time of first logIn. ONLINE COURSES ASET-CEUs awarded for successful completion. EEG courses were developed by recognized subject matter experts (SME) who are outstanding in the field of electroencephalography. University professors were also recruited in the development of these courses. With the ASET EEG national competencies serving as the foundation, SMEs and university professors collaborated on the outline of module topics, and course faculty collaborated on the design, development, and presentation of course offerings. All courses have been peer reviewed for content, content clarity, instructions, and time for completion. EEG 200 - FUNDAMENTALS OF NEUROANATOMY EEG 201 - TESTING PROCEDURES & TERMINOLOGY This course is an introduction to the structures and functions of This course introduces learners to the field of Neurodiagnostic the nervous system. Course content includes basic terms related to Technology by providing descriptions of Neurodiagnostic testing anatomical position, direction, body region, and body plane. The procedures and describing the profession’s Scope of Practice. The bony structures of the skull are presented as well as specific structures Scope of Practice specifies the role of ND technologists as members and functions of the nervous system, such as the brain, brainstem, of the health care team and outlines core responsibilities.
    [Show full text]
  • Lecture 5: Emerging Parasitic Helminths Part 2: Tissue Nematodes
    Readings-Nematodes • Ch. 11 (pp. 290, 291-93, 295 [box 11.1], 304 [box 11.2]) • Lecture 5: Emerging Parasitic Ch.14 (p. 375, 367 [table 14.1]) Helminths part 2: Tissue Nematodes Matt Tucker, M.S., MSPH [email protected] HSC4933 Emerging Infectious Diseases HSC4933. Emerging Infectious Diseases 2 Monsters Inside Me Learning Objectives • Toxocariasis, larva migrans (Toxocara canis, dog hookworm): • Understand how visceral larval migrans, cutaneous larval migrans, and ocular larval migrans can occur Background: • Know basic attributes of tissue nematodes and be able to distinguish http://animal.discovery.com/invertebrates/monsters-inside- these nematodes from each other and also from other types of me/toxocariasis-toxocara-roundworm/ nematodes • Understand life cycles of tissue nematodes, noting similarities and Videos: http://animal.discovery.com/videos/monsters-inside- significant difference me-toxocariasis.html • Know infective stages, various hosts involved in a particular cycle • Be familiar with diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, pathogenicity, http://animal.discovery.com/videos/monsters-inside-me- &treatment toxocara-parasite.html • Identify locations in world where certain parasites exist • Note drugs (always available) that are used to treat parasites • Describe factors of tissue nematodes that can make them emerging infectious diseases • Be familiar with Dracunculiasis and status of eradication HSC4933. Emerging Infectious Diseases 3 HSC4933. Emerging Infectious Diseases 4 Lecture 5: On the Menu Problems with other hookworms • Cutaneous larva migrans or Visceral Tissue Nematodes larva migrans • Hookworms of other animals • Cutaneous Larva Migrans frequently fail to penetrate the human dermis (and beyond). • Visceral Larva Migrans – Ancylostoma braziliense (most common- in Gulf Coast and tropics), • Gnathostoma spp. Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma “creeping eruption” ceylanicum, • Trichinella spiralis • They migrate through the epidermis leaving typical tracks • Dracunculus medinensis • Eosinophilic enteritis-emerging problem in Australia HSC4933.
    [Show full text]
  • Slug: an Emerging Menace in Agriculture: a Review
    Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies 2020; 8(4): 01-06 E-ISSN: 2320-7078 P-ISSN: 2349-6800 www.entomoljournal.com Slug: An emerging menace in agriculture: A JEZS 2020; 8(4): 01-06 © 2020 JEZS review Received: 01-05-2020 Accepted: 03-06-2020 Partha Pratim Gyanudoy Das, Badal Bhattacharyya, Sudhansu Partha Pratim Gyanudoy Das All India Network Project on Bhagawati, Elangbam Bidyarani Devi, Nang Sena Manpoong and K Soil Arthropod Pests, Sindhura Bhairavi Department of Entomology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India Abstract Most of the terrestrial slugs are potential threat to agriculture across the globe. Their highly adaptive Badal Bhattacharyya nature helps them to survive in both temperate and tropical climates which is one of the major reasons of All India Network Project on its abundant species diversity. It is not only a severe problem in different seedlings of nursery and Soil Arthropod Pests, orchards, also a worry factor for the seeds of legumes sown in furrows. The whitish slimy mucus Department of Entomology, generated by this pest makes the flower and vegetables unfit for sale. However, despite of its euryphagic Assam Agricultural University, nature, very few works have been carried out on slug morphology, biology, ecology, taxonomy and its Jorhat, Assam, India management in India. This review article tries to integrate the information of economically important slug species of the world as well as India, their bio-ecology, nature of damage, favorable factors with Sudhansu Bhagawati special emphasis on eco-friendly management tactics of this particular gastropod pest. All India Network Project on Soil Arthropod Pests, Keywords: Slug, euryphagic, bio-ecology, management, gastropod pest Department of Entomology, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India Introduction With a number of 80,000 to 135,000 members, mollusc ranks second largest invertebrate Elangbam Bidyarani Devi group in the world, out of which 1129 species of terrestrial molluscs are found in India [1, 2, 3].
    [Show full text]
  • Gastropoda: Stylommatophora)1 John L
    EENY-494 Terrestrial Slugs of Florida (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora)1 John L. Capinera2 Introduction Florida has only a few terrestrial slug species that are native (indigenous), but some non-native (nonindigenous) species have successfully established here. Many interceptions of slugs are made by quarantine inspectors (Robinson 1999), including species not yet found in the United States or restricted to areas of North America other than Florida. In addition to the many potential invasive slugs originating in temperate climates such as Europe, the traditional source of invasive molluscs for the US, Florida is also quite susceptible to invasion by slugs from warmer climates. Indeed, most of the invaders that have established here are warm-weather or tropical species. Following is a discus- sion of the situation in Florida, including problems with Figure 1. Lateral view of slug showing the breathing pore (pneumostome) open. When closed, the pore can be difficult to locate. slug identification and taxonomy, as well as the behavior, Note that there are two pairs of tentacles, with the larger, upper pair ecology, and management of slugs. bearing visual organs. Credits: Lyle J. Buss, UF/IFAS Biology as nocturnal activity and dwelling mostly in sheltered Slugs are snails without a visible shell (some have an environments. Slugs also reduce water loss by opening their internal shell and a few have a greatly reduced external breathing pore (pneumostome) only periodically instead of shell). The slug life-form (with a reduced or invisible shell) having it open continuously. Slugs produce mucus (slime), has evolved a number of times in different snail families, which allows them to adhere to the substrate and provides but this shell-free body form has imparted similar behavior some protection against abrasion, but some mucus also and physiology in all species of slugs.
    [Show full text]
  • The Species Question in Freshwater Malacology: from Linnaeus to the Present Day
    See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323748481 THE SPECIES QUESTION IN FRESHWATER MALACOLOGY: FROM LINNAEUS TO THE PRESENT DAY Article · March 2018 DOI: 10.12657/folmal.026.005 CITATIONS READS 0 126 1 author: Maxim Vinarski Saint Petersburg State University 134 PUBLICATIONS 664 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: Biological diversity and taxonomy of freshwater snails of Central Asia View project Origin of freshwater fauna in Iceland: Cryptic glacial refugia or postglacial founder events? View project All content following this page was uploaded by Maxim Vinarski on 14 March 2018. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. Folia Malacol. 26(1): 39–52 https://doi.org/10.12657/folmal.026.005 THE SPECIES QUESTION IN FRESHWATER MALACOLOGY: FROM LINNAEUS TO THE PRESENT DAY1 MAXIM V. VINARSKI Saint-Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya Naberezhnaya, 7/9, 199034 Saint-Petersburg/Omsk State Pedagogical University, 14 Tukhachevskogo Emb., 644099 Omsk, Russian Federation (e-mail: [email protected]) ABSTRACT: The history of the species problem as applied to freshwater molluscs, from the beginning of scientific taxonomy to the present day, is outlined. Three main approaches to delineation of species boundaries (intuitive, conceptual, and operational) are discussed, with remarks on their practical usage in freshwater malacology. The central topic of the article is how malacologists changed their views on the essence of species category and the impact of these changes on the taxonomic practice. The opinions of some prominent and prolific workers in the field (Bourguignat, Kobelt, Hubendick, Starobogatov) are analysed as well as the debates around the theoretical foundations and practical results of the ‘Nouvelle École’ of the 19th century and the ‘comparatory’ systematics of the 20th century.
    [Show full text]
  • Sarasinula Spp.*
    Sarasinula spp.* *In April 2013, the family Veronicellidae, a target on the 2013 and 2014 AHP Prioritized Pest Lists, was broken down into six genera of concern, including Sarasinula spp. Information in the datasheet may be at the family, genus, or species level. Information for specific species within the genus is included when known and relevant; other species may occur in the genus and are still reportable at the genus level. Portions of this document were taken directly from the New Pest Response Guidelines for Tropical Terrestrial Gastropods (USDA-APHIS, 2010a). *Information for specific species within the genus is included when known and relevant. Other species may occur in the genus and are still reportable at the genus level. Figure 1. Sarasinula plebeia on Phaseolus spp. Scientific Names (bean) in Honduras (Frank Peairs, Colorado State Sarasinula plebeia (Fischer, 1871) University, Bugwood.org). Sarasinula linguaeformis (Semper, 1885) Synonyms: Sarasinula plebeia Vaginulus plebeius Fischer, 1868 Sarasinula dubia (Semper, 1885) Common Name No common name, leatherleaf slugs Sarasinula plebeia: Caribbean leatherleaf slug, bean slug Figure 2. Sarasinula plebeia on Phaseolus spp. (bean) in Honduras (Frank Peairs, Colorado State University, Type of Pest Bugwood.org). Mollusk Last update: August 2014 1 Taxonomic Position Class: Gastropoda, Order: Systellommatophora, Family: Veronicellidae Reason for Inclusion in Manual CAPS Target: AHP Prioritized Pest List for FY 2011 – 2015* *Originally listed under the family Veronicellidae. Pest Description Veronicellidae are anatomically distinct from many other terrestrial slugs in that they have a posterior anus, eyes on contractile tentacles, and no pulmonate lung. The sensory tentacles are bilobed. This family also lacks a mantel cavity (Runham and Hunter, 1970).
    [Show full text]
  • Proceedings of the Biological Society of Washington 110(4):520-536
    PROCEEDINGS OF THE BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON 110(4):520-536. 1997. Annotated list of Veronicellidae from the collections of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and the National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., U.S.A. (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Soleolifera) Jose W. Thome, Patricia H. dos Santos, and Luciana Pedott Laboratories de Malacologia, Instituto de Biociencias, PUCRS, Av. Ipiranga, 6681, predio 12; 90619-900 Porto Alegre, RS-Brazil. Abstract.—The list of veronicellid slugs presented in this paper is restricted to species identified by criteria previously proposed by the first author. We were able to distinguish 30 species or subspecies, classified in 12 genera. In- cluded are the following: Belocaulus angustipes; Colosius propinquus; C. pulcher; Diplosolenodes occidentalism D. olivaceus; Heterovaginina peruviana; Laevicaulis alte (with new illustrations); L. natalensis brauni; L. stuhlmanni (with new illustrations); Latipes cnidicaulus; Leidyula dissimilis; L. floridana (with new data and illustration); L. goodfriendi; L. kraussi; L. moreleti; L. portoricensis; L. trichroma; Phyllocaulis gayi; P. soleiformis; Sarasinula du- bia; S. linguaeformis; S. plebeia; Simrothula columbiana; S. prismatica; Va- ginulus taunaisii; Veronicella bahamensis; V. cubensis; V. davisi; V. sloanei; V. tenax. The family Veronicellidae Gray, 1840 groups of characteristics to be analyzed. He comprises terrestrial mollusks without shell, comments on the characteristics tradition- commonly called slugs. The distribution is ally used and is of the opinion that there are pantropical and over 300 specific names not enough to determine conclusively the have been registered, most of them syn- species, and that they do not permit a con- onyms (Hoffmann 1925, Forcart 1953, sistent phylogenetic classification.
    [Show full text]